The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced that 12 Pennsylvania school bus operators and drivers have been fined for violating federal drug and alcohol regulations.

The 12 violated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) governing the testing and use of controlled substances and alcohol by people who have commercial drivers licenses (CDL). The charges against companies operating school buses included using drivers known to have tested positive for a controlled substance, using drivers before receiving negative pre-employment controlled substance test results, and improperly conducting random drug testing.

The Pennsylvania Division of the FMCSA conducted a special investigation of school bus operators during which they checked compliance with drug and alcohol testing requirements and provisions associated with commercial drivers licenses. The division’s 35 investigations resulted in civil charges against four companies that contract to transport school children, five school districts that transport their own students, and three individuals.

“We do not tolerate unsafe practices that place people, especially children, at risk. These fines underscore our commitment to safety and to ensuring that motor carriers comply with federal safety requirements,” said Julie Anna Cirillo, FMCSA’s chief safety officer and acting deputy administrator.

Technically, the fines are assessed through notices of claims, which are official charging documents used by the FMCSA to initiate civil actions for alleged violations of federal safety standards. Notices of claims were issued to the following: Superior Bus Service, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, Pa., $2,420; Gross School Bus Service, Inc., Bechtelsville, Pa., $10,200; Eleanor Bass, Philadelphia, $500; David R. Hylton, Nanticoke, Pa., $500; W.L. Roenigk, Inc., Sarver, Pa., $7,070; Randy M. Ehrmentrout, Tarentum, Pa., $500; Hempfield Area School District of Greensburg, Pa., $7,040; West Shore School District of New Cumberland, Pa., $7,050; Archbald Van Pool, Inc., (doing business as Probst Transportation), Archbald, Pa., $2,000; Interboro School District of Prospect Park, Pa., $3,060; School District of Haverford Township of Havertown, Pa., $7,960; and Marple Newtown School District of Newtown Square, Pa., $14,180. The companies and individuals will each have an opportunity to contest the charges against them in accordance with federal regulations.